South Carolina Republicans Select Senate Nominee After Lindsey Graham’s Passing

On June 9, 2026, a voter casts a ballot at Drew Wellness Center in Columbia, S.C., during the midterm primary. South Carolina Republicans gathered to choose their candidate for the U.S. Senate in the upcoming November election, following the recent passing of Sen. Lindsey Graham. President Trump endorsed Sen. Darline Graham, appointed by Gov. Henry McMaster to fill her late brother’s position. Graham was sworn in at the U.S. Capitol on July 14, 2026.

Though President Trump backs Graham, some GOP voters are opting for other candidates in the crowded race. This situation raises the chance that no candidate will secure the majority, potentially leading to a runoff between the top two contenders on August 25.

Sen. Darline Graham’s Initial Weeks

After her appointment, Sen. Darline Graham had a busy start, engaging in crucial votes in Washington. These included the confirmation of Attorney General Todd Blanche and sanctioning bills related to Russian oil and gas buyers, championed by her brother. Reflecting on her campaign, Graham said, “This campaign schedule has been absolutely brutal, but you know what, I’m still standing, I’m still going and that shows you how strong I am.” During a tele-rally, Trump praised her as a leading candidate for supporting his administration’s goals.

Graham plans to focus on easing the cost of living pressures. She stated, “While I know national security is important, I’m going to be more focused on the family struggles.”

Competing GOP Candidates

Several other candidates challenge Graham, emphasizing their leadership experience. Rep. Ralph Norman, third-place finisher in the state’s June GOP gubernatorial primary, is known for his fiscal conservatism, advocating for reducing the federal deficit. Norman declared, “The Senate is the body where good bills die,” and voiced support for the president’s America First agenda.

Russell Fry, a U.S. Representative, initially defeated former Congressman Tom Rice in a primary after Rice’s impeachment vote against Trump. Despite concerns that his candidacy might threaten the Republican’s thin House majority, Fry believes, “More choices let the conservative movement thrive.”

Former Congressman and Governor Mark Sanford, known for tackling national debt issues, has re-entered the race. Recently, he showcased piglets named Pork and Barrel at the South Carolina Statehouse, symbolizing government waste reduction. Highlighting his gubernatorial experience, Sanford stressed, “There is something very different about being an executive and being held responsible for results on the numbers that do impact people’s lives here at home.”

Voters’ Opinions on Candidates

Over 61,000 Republican voters participated in early voting before the primary date. In Oconee County, voter Robert Herron leaned towards Sanford due to his policies on government spending, although he also considered Graham. Conversely, voter Frank Owens supported Graham after watching her debate performance.

In Charleston, voter Gigi Vray plans to vote for Sanford, valuing his representation of South Carolina’s diverse population. Despite Trump’s endorsement, she believes, “Maybe we need a different kind of candidate to support.”

In Myrtle Beach’s Horry County, voter Deborah Dowd preferred Graham over Fry after evaluating their debate responses, recalling Lindsey Graham’s Senate contributions.

The victorious GOP candidate will compete against Democratic nominee Annie Andrews, but in predominantly Republican South Carolina, the GOP primary winner is favored to claim the Senate seat in November.